Sonar

Chemical Brothers to headline Sonar 2015 shows

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Sónar 2015 announces its first names for Sónar Barcelona. The first artist announcement includes classic and revered names of electronic music and benchmarks for a new generation, together with new producers and bands outlining the future direction of electronica.
 
The Chemical Brothers (UK)
Autechre (UK)
Kindness (UK)
Evian Christ (UK)
Fat Freddy's Drop (NZ)
Daniel Avery (UK)
Ten Walls (LT)
Lee Gamble (UK)
Sophie (UK)
Holly Herndon (US)
PXXR GVNG (ES)
Kiasmos (IS)
Kate Tempest (UK)
Tourist (UK)
Vessel (UK)
Niño (ES)
Mans O (ES)
Helena Hauff (DE)
and many more to be confirmed…
 
Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers, speaks for the first time exclusively for Sónar
 
Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers, speaks for the first time exclusively for Sónar to provide the first details about the new show and new studio album in 2015:
 
“We're very excited to return to Sónar, one of the best crowds, in one of the greatest cities. We are still imagining the gig, both music and visual. We are working on the staging of the live gig at the moment. Adam (Smith) has some amazing ideas. The show will be an intense ride, hold tight. (About the new album) I guess the most important feature of the album is that it connects with us emotionally in some way. We hope for finding a new way to make you feel. We dream of new sounds and different frames. We have worked with some guest singers but mostly the album is pure Chemical Brothers.”
 
Keystones of electronica
 
For the past twenty years, The Chemical Brothers have redefined the idea of live electronic music. In that time, their live show has evolved from humble beginnings in dank London nightclubs into one of the most in demand festival headline sets in the world. All the while, it has adhered to the same basic idea: that the gig should create its own transcendent audio/visual space where the audience can lose themselves for the duration of the set. The Chemical Brothers on going relationship with director and visual artist Adam Smith continues to produce hallucinogenic results across the globe (as seen in 2012’s collaborative concert film Don’t Think). The band are due to release their eighth studio album in 2015. 
 
 
Autechre are one of the most admired and respected duos in abstract and experimental electronica. The importance of the music and sound imagined by Rob Brown and Sean Booth cannot be underestimated. They have played an integral role in the development of abstract techno and IDM (intelligent dance music) over the past 25 years. One of their tracks "Flutter", is considered by critics as a historical zenith of IDM, and albums like "Incunabula", "Amber", "TriRepetae" or the more recent "Oversteps" and "EXAI" are all masterpieces of sonic deconstruction. Their live performances are rare and very exclusive, and in 2015 they will perform at Sónar by Day, nearly two decades after their first and only appearance at the festival in 1996.
 
New benchmarks
 
As always, the Sónar line-up is dominated by the huge presence of new producers and bands noted for their powerful artistic profile and sound that in many cases outline the future direction of electronica and cutting edge music.
 
This is certainly the case for Vessel and Evian Christ, two very young British producers with a distinct and identifiable sound based on techno, who are exploring more complex sonic territories in immersive shows with a potent sensorial impact; Lee Gamble, the respected and experienced aural adventurer will present his new live audiovisual concept in collaboration with the London designer Dave Gaskarth.
 
Sónar also recognises new dynamic female talent such as American songwriter Holly Herndon, creator of dystopian sound worlds with futuristic auditory aesthetics; and KateTempest, poet, performer and British playwright -winner of the Ted Hughes Award in 2013- who will present her first album "Everybody Down" on hip-hop label Big Dada; or German dj Helena Hauff, faithful disciple to the continuation of the most resonant techno and electro from her home base in Hamburg.
 
The festival will also host exciting dance music projects from:Kiasmos, whose emotive and dance friendly techno is produced by prodigious Icelandic pianist Ólafur Arnalds, together with Janus Rasmussen; electropop quartet Bloodgroup; and the luminescent and penetrating melodies of Lithuanians Ten Walls, whose career has just taken off. You will also be able to enjoy prestigious young DJs likeDaniel Avery, mentored by Erol Alkan and hailed by critics as the British Isles new master of tech-house; and producers like Sophie, creator of colourful melodies and contemporary rhythms, in keeping with the new PC Music trend, who recently collaborated with Madonna, Nicki Minaj and Diplo.
 
There will of course be room reserved for pop and other styles including celebrated New Zealand band Fat Freddy's Drop, who return to Sónar with their fantastic live show where they will intelligently mix dub, reggae and soul, with techno and house. Also appearing from the UK will be Tourist and Kindness, two key names in today’s synth pop sound, both of whom have newly released material. Tourist will present a tantalizing live audiovisual show where the piano takes centre stage, while Kindness will present a liberating and highly emotive concert experience.

Trentemøller, Diplo and more added to Sonar Reykjavík 2014

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Trentemøller, Diplo and FM Belfast added to the Sónar Reykjavík line-up

We’re proud to announce the latest additions of artists to perform at Sónar Reykjavík 2014, February 13-15.

Since his storming DJ set Sónar Reykjavík earlier this year Trentemøller has released his third full length album, the critically acclaimed Lost, and a Live in Copenhagen compilation of some of his best works. The Danish electronic icon will be making a return to the festival in February, this time bringing his band and full live show experience to Reykjavik!

The line-up to Sónar Reykjavík car park stage, the underground dancefloor we’ll set-up beneath the Harpa, is also getting bigger and better. Latest add-on of DJs to its programme being no other than worldwide star producer, DJ virtuoso, Mad Decent label boss and Major Lazer forerunner; Diplo.

Diplo Sonar 2014

Iceland’s friendliest band, FM Belfast, which among others includes Örvar Smáreyjarson Þóreyjarsonof Múm and has earned a reputation to be one of Iceland’s most energetic live acts, will be performing at one of Harpa’s main stages. So will President Bongo of GusGus and DJ Margeir, who, along with guests, come back to the festival with their arsenal of rotating musical mass as Gluteus Maximus.

Others from the vibrant local music scene now added to the bill include; Iceland’s techno wizard Exos, the minimalistic yet intricate Tonik, local hip hop pioneer CELL7 and the debut the unique approach to composition of multi-instrumental musician Högni Egilsson making his live debut under his alias HE.

The final line-up will consist of more than 60 artist, bands and DJs, so there is more to come!

Sónar Reykjavík 2014 takes place at one of Europe's most unique concert venues; Harpa – with five different stages; Silfuberg, Norðurljós, Kaldalón, Flói and the underground car-park, which will quickly become a classic.

James Holden, Jon Hopkins and more for Sónar Reykjavík and Sónar Stockholm

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James Holden, Jon Hopkins, Paul Kalkbrenner, Bonobo, Daphni and Evian Christ have been announced for both Sónar Reykjavík and Sónar Stockholm 2014 in February.

In Sónar Reykjavík, they all join Major Lazer, who is headlining, together with the When Saints Go Machine and the première of Starwalker, the new collaboration of France's Jean-Benoit Dunckel (half of Air) and Icelandic composer Bardi Johannsson. More than 90 artists will be playing in Sweden and Iceland for this year’s Sónar Nordic trip.

Sónar Nordic weekend James Holden, the cosmic and trance-like creative head of Border Community, will take “The Inheritors”, his last epic production, out his studio out into the world via his live show which promises to expand the grounds for folk modern electronic music. UK's own digital bits crafter Jon Hopkins and Evian Christ, the rising star wizardly mixing R&B and hip-hop also will be joining him on this journey to both Sónar Reykjavík and Sónar Stockholm.

Germany's dance music iconic star Paul Kalkbrenner as well asBonobo, the downtempo experimental live by UK producer Simon Green, and the dj set of Daphni, aka Caribou's loved electronic dance project, are also confirmed on top of the bills for both Sónar Stockholm and Sónar Reykjavik.

Only in Sónar Reykjavík, they all join Major Lazer, together with the When Saints Go Machine and the première of Starwalker, the new collaboration of France's Jean-Benoit Dunckel (half of Air) and Icelandic composer Bardi Johannsson. Sónar lands in Stockholm for the first time Sónar Stockholm takes place at Munchenbryggeriet in the Södermalm district in the city centre, the 14th and 15th of February 2014 and it will encompass 30 artists and Dj's overthree stages: SonarClub, SonarDôme presented by RBMA and SonarLab. The doors will open at 7PM until 3AM on both days.

Among the local acts, the festival hosts two of Sweden's finest DJ's, the Berlin-Stockholm bound Johanna Knutsson and P3 radio turn into clubbing and producing DJ Sandra Mosh. 

As the epilogue of the successful Red Bull Music Academy Weekender which took place in Stockholm this November, Red Bull Music Academy will partner with Sónar Stockholm. 
The Red Bull Music Academy will program the second largest stage of the festival portraying some of the most interesting local and international acts around together with the academy's favourite
up-and-coming talent.

Second edition of Sónar Reykjavík Sónar Reykjavík 2014 takes place at Harpa – Reykjavik Music Hall, situated right by the harbor in the downtown area of the city, with five different stages over three days, the 13, 14 and 15th of February. Sónar Reykjavik will be turning Harpa's underground car park again into a nightclub and will provide a line-up of more than60 artist, bands and DJs for its second edition.

Major Lazer, world-famous Diplo's production which continues to spearhead the current dancehall revival movement, headlines one of the five stages on the Saturday night. Another highlight will be the première of Starwalker, the new collaboration of France's Jean-Benoit Dunckel (half of Air) and Icelandic composer Bardi Johannsson.

Major Lazer

Among the local acts the award winning blue-eyed soul sensationMoses Hightower; Möller Records founders Futuregrapher &Skurken; the most exciting new act to emerge from Iceland's vibrant music scene in the past months, electric pop trio Vök;Kiasmos, the brainchild of Icelandic modern classical composer Ólafur Arnalds and Bloodgroup mastermind Janus Rasmussen from the Faroe Islands, and the adventurous Reykjavik based American-Icelandic electro-pop duo Low Roar. The Danish bandWhen Saints Go Machine will also be a highlight together with our good German-Danish friend Rune Reilly Kölsch aka Kölsch,Hjaltalín, Sykur, Sometime and Kent Slash Demo.

Sónar Stockholm 2014 announces the first confirmed artists

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Next year Sónar lands in Stockholm for the first time between the 14 and 15 February, 2014.

First confirmed artists so far are Bonobo, an artist very much at the peak of his significant powers, who will bring his acclaimed live show to Sónar Stockholm, as well as Daphni, Caribou's loved electronic dance project, UK's own digital bits crafter Jon Hopkins and the swedish electronic dance music pioneers Skudge and La Fleur.

Tickets are now available here (link a tickets) as well as a special offer for your stay (link accomodation) by our Hotel partner Nordic Light / Nordic Sea Hotel in Stockholm.

In Stockholm where Sónar will present more than 30 artists, live shows and DJs.The festival will take place at Münchenbryggeriet in the city centre. There will be more news to come soon.

 

Major Lazer set for Sonar Reykjavík 2014

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We’re thrilled to announce the first names for Sónar Reykjavík 2014, with no other than Major Lazer, world-famous Diplo's production which continues to spearhead the current dancehall revival movement, headlining one of our five stages on the Saturday night! 

Daphni, Caribou's electronic dance project together with Hjaltalín, Sykur, Sometime and our good German-Danish friend Rune Reilly Kolsch aka Kölsch have also been added to the line-up. 

As per last year and due to popular demand, Sónar Reykjavík will be turning Reykjavík’s Music Hall Harpa's underground car park into a nightclub, with a strong selection of international and local disc-jockeys. 

From February 13th to the 15th,  the second edition of Sónar Reykjavík will add a line-up of more than 60 artist, bands and DJs.

Sonar adds Stockholm in 2014

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In 2014, the Swedish capital, one of the world's most powerful cities, joins the five destinations of 2014, together with Reykjavík, Tokyo, Mexico DF, Barcelona and Cape Town.  

For its second Nordic trip, in February Sonar will travel to two destinations simultaneously: for the first time Sonar will land in Sweden offering a unique experience at Münchenbryggeriet, located right in the middle of Stockholm and the second Sonar in Iceland will take place again in Reykjavík adding one more day to the festivities.

Sonar Stockholm 2014

Sonar Stockholm will take place the 14th and 15th of February and will fill a gap in the long cold winter of Stockholm with an indoor festival for two days, combining both international and local artists and DJs.

The event will be held at Münchenbryggeriet, in the beautiful district of Södermalm. The brewery is one of the most characteristic elements in the skyline of Stockholm and one of the architectural totems of the industrial era.

More information and tickets sale will be announced soon www.sonarstockholm.com

Sonar Reykjavík 2014

Sonar Reykjavík will take place for the second time in Harpa Concert House from February 13th through February 15th, 2014. The festival set up will be similar to the one held last year along with the additions of two small stages inside Harpa and special concerts in the grand auditorium, Eldborg.

The unique 3-days pass is now available online at www.sonarreykjavik.com

Travel packages are also available from the following countries via Icelandair: Netherlands, US, Denmark, France, Canada, Germany, UK and Sweden.

Sonar Barcelona 2014

In Barcelona in 2014, Sonar by Day with its successfully premiered location in Fira Montjuïc, and Sonar+D, a concrete commitment to Sonar’s professional activity, will reaffirm the festival’s new format, born in 2013 for its 20th Anniversary.

Now in its 21st edition, the Barcelona event has been an international focal point for both the public and professionals with more than 124,000 visitors from around the world in 2013, which every year transforms Barcelona into the world capital of electronic music culture.

The dates for next year are 12th,13th and 14th of June. Tickets are already on sale at a special price of 150€ until the 30th of September here www.sonar.es

The next five international events, as well as the festival in Barcelona in 2014, make a total of 50 Sonar events and festivals organized worldwide since 2002, in countries including the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, Germany, Mexico, Switzerland, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Argentina, among others.

London (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2011) / Lisbon (2002) / Neuchatel (2002) / Hamburg (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006) / Tokyo (2002, 2004, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014) / Turin (2002) / Rome (2003) / Sao Paulo (2004, 2012) / Lyon (2004) / Guadalajara (2004) / Buenos Aires (2006) / Seoul (2006) / Frankfurt (2007) / Washington (2009) / New York (2009) / Chicago (2010 and 2012) / Galicia (2010-2012) / Cape Town (2012 and 2014) / Sonar on Tour: Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Denver, Oakland and Los Angeles (2012) / Osaka (2013) / Reykjavik (2013 and 2014) / Stockholm (2014) / Mexico DF (2014)